Book summary

Gantos, the well-known author of the Rotten Ralph picture books and young adult novels such as JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY and JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTROL, shares the true story of how he was arrested and sent to jail for drug dealing. Reflecting on his childhood, his education, and his time in jail, Gantos explores how he stopped merely dreaming of becoming a writer and actually became one, and talks about how his writing helped him survive his years in prison.

Media reviews

"For us fellow veterans of a misspent youth who were not caught, HOLE IN MY LIFE is a ghost-ridden parable of what might have been. For young people today who may be flirting with felonious adventure, it can be a powerful cautionary tale from a man who knows what he's talking about. But most important, for those who did commit crimes and were caught, this is a tale of courage and redemption proving that a bad start in life does not have to lead to a bad life story."